VFL Players Association Player of the Year Award: Inaugural Trophy, featuring golden football in front of goal posts, with plaque engraved 'V.F.L. Players Association, Player of the Year - 1975, A.Jesaulenko'. Jesaulenko was the first winner of this award - won for the last 3 years by Gary Ablett Jr. VFL/AFL players vote, according to a footballer's versatility, skill, leadership, respect for teammates and the opposition, and the ability to play under pressure.